After the Denver Nuggets tied the series with a Game 6 win, many believed Nikola Jokic’s squad was ready to eliminate the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. The pressure was intense heading into Game 7, but Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remained composed amid the rising tension. His calm attitude hinted at a confidence that would soon pay off.
That confidence turned into action in Game 7, as Shai delivered a dominant performance to lead the Thunder past the Nuggets and into the Western Conference Finals. His leadership and execution under pressure helped OKC complete its semifinal run emphatically.
Following Sunday’s series-clinching win, Shai took the opportunity to send a message to those who doubted him. He posted a smiling photo from the previous game’s loss and a bold caption.
“They thought I was whylin when I was smiling,” the title read.
Shai on IG 😭
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 19, 2025
“They thought I was whylin when I was smiling” pic.twitter.com/gtg8gvW45Q
Shai’s Game 7 stat line was just as striking. He scored 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting, adding four assists, three rebounds, and three steals. With that performance, he joined Kevin Durant as the only players in Thunder history to score 35 or more points in a Game 7.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reflects On Thunder’s Game 7 Victory
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Throughout the playoff series, the Thunder team felt the support of the Oklahoma City fans. In the postgame press conference, Shai highlighted the emotional importance of the win, especially for the Thunder’s loyal supporters.
“It means a lot, specifically for this city. They’ve been behind us through good, through bad. It feels like no team in the league has home-court advantage like we do, and that’s all due to them,” he said.
The Thunder will now face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. That game will have a unique family twist, as Shai will play against his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who plays for the Timberwolves.
